how to interpret sleep study report

[katrinae]

Hi, can you help me interpret the sleep study report?
I had 1 CA in REM, and 53 Hypopneas, all in NONREM. 2 of the events happened in non-supine position, 52 in supine (so I'm trying to sleep on my side when I can't handle the hose). Dr. said sidesleeping was an option for me. Diagnosis is mild sleep apnea.
Are hypopnea as bad as apneas?
I noticed the findings were intermittent moderate snoring in supine position; the doctor's summary letter says severe intermittent snoring in supine position (no idea why he changed withe results).
Oxygen levels all above 90%, SAo2 90-100%.
heart rate 44.7 to 56.6. Spent 14.4% of time in REM, 12.9 in stage IV...

[cate1898]

Could be your O2 levels not going lower than 90%.

[DeepBreathing]

Somebody on this forum once wrote "A hypopnea is an apnea that never grew up". It's a partial blockage of the airway whereas an apnea is a complete blockage. The requirement to score as a hypopnea seems to vary a bit but it's typically ~50% blockage for 10 seconds or more. So it's not as bad as an apnea but can still lead to lower O2 levels and if prolonged will disturb your sleep.

The good thing is that hypopneas can usually be treated by a mild increase in pressure or (in your case, probably) by side sleeping.

[katrinae]

Are oxygen levels supposed to go down? I thought staying at 90 or above was a good thing (but I'm new to this)

[PoolQ]

Staying at 90% and above is a good thing, that is only one part. I am moderate with 90% and above the entire time.
hypopnea has "some" air exchange which is better than apnea that is no air exchange
"when I can't handle the hose" have you tuned up the comfort settings on your machine, it should help you tolerate CPAP
"so I'm trying to sleep on my side " I try to do this also, but I always end up on my back for part of the night. I always have my CPAP on
most people refer to their AHI number and not to total apneas, so AHI of under 5/hour is considered good
don't worry about your 1 CA, as CA's tend to happen in REM all the time
your 53 hypopneas depends on over how long. 10 hours, pretty good. 5 hours, not so good.